10 Best Mexican Dessert Recipes

10 Best Mexican Dessert Recipes

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I have always been a fan of Mexican cuisine, and the desserts are no exception. The vibrant flavors, the rich textures, and the delightful sweetness make them irresistible. Today, I want to share with you my 10 best Mexican dessert recipes that will transport you straight to a fiesta. Each recipe has a special place in my heart, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they have brought me.

1. Flan: The Classic Mexican Custard

Flan is a staple in Mexican households. This creamy caramel custard is perfect for any occasion. I remember my grandmother making flan for family gatherings, and the anticipation was always worth it.

Ingredients for Flan

  • 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

How to Make Flan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Pour it into a round baking dish.
  3. Blend eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
  4. Place the dish in a larger baking pan filled with water and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  5. Let it cool, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

2. Churros: Fried Dough Delights

Churros are delightful fried pastries coated in cinnamon sugar. I still remember the first time I had a churro at a local fair. The warm, crispy exterior and soft inside made it unforgettable.

Ingredients for Churros

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

How to Make Churros

  1. Boil water and butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour until it forms a ball.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Mix in eggs one at a time.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan. Pipe the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden.
  4. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then roll the churros in it before serving.
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3. Tres Leches Cake: A Moist Wonder

Tres leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk. This dessert is a favorite for birthdays and celebrations. I often make it for my friends, and they always ask for seconds!

Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream

How to Make Tres Leches Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and sugar. In another bowl, beat eggs and combine with the dry ingredients.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool and poke holes in the cake.
  4. Mix the three milks and pour over the cake. Refrigerate for a few hours.
  5. Whip heavy cream and spread it on top before serving.

4. Arroz con Leche: Creamy Rice Pudding

Arroz con leche is a comforting rice pudding that reminds me of my childhood. My mom used to make it on chilly evenings, and it was the perfect treat.

Ingredients for Arroz con Leche

  • 1 cup rice
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

How to Make Arroz con Leche

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water. In a pot, combine rice and milk. Cook until rice is tender.
  2. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Cook for a few more minutes.
  3. Serve warm or chilled, topped with additional cinnamon if desired.

5. Mexican Chocolate Cake: A Rich Indulgence

Mexican chocolate cake is rich and decadent, featuring the unique flavor of cinnamon. This cake is perfect for chocolate lovers. I often bake it for special occasions, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients for Mexican Chocolate Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
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How to Make Mexican Chocolate Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add milk, oil, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
  3. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  4. Let cool and frost with chocolate frosting.

6. Buñuelos: Crispy Fried Treats

Buñuelos are crispy, fried dough balls that are often enjoyed during holidays. I have fond memories of making these with my family during Christmas time.

Ingredients for Buñuelos

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Oil for frying

How to Make Buñuelos

  1. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  2. Gradually add water to form a dough. Roll out thinly and cut into circles.
  3. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Dust with sugar before serving.

7. Polvorones: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Polvorones are crumbly cookies that melt in your mouth. They are often served at weddings and celebrations. I love making these during the holidays to share with friends.

Ingredients for Polvorones

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make Polvorones

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet.
  2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add flour, vanilla, and nuts, mixing until combined.
  3. Shape into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar.

8. Cajeta: Goat Milk Caramel

Cajeta is a sweet, thick caramel sauce made from goat milk. It is a delightful topping for many desserts. I like to drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for a special treat.

Ingredients for Cajeta

  • 4 cups goat milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
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How to Make Cajeta

  1. In a saucepan, combine goat milk and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
  2. Stir in baking soda and simmer, stirring frequently until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool before using.

9. Gelatina: Colorful Jello Treats

Gelatina is a fun dessert that comes in various flavors and colors. I remember making this with my siblings for birthday parties. It’s always a hit with kids!

Ingredients for Gelatina

  • 1 package flavored gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Fresh fruit (optional)

How to Make Gelatina

  1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stirring well.
  2. Add cold water and mix. Pour into molds or cups.
  3. Refrigerate until set. Add fresh fruit for a fun twist.

10. Pan de Muerto: Sweet Bread of the Dead

Pan de muerto is a traditional Mexican bread made for Día de los Muertos. It has a soft, sweet flavor and is often shaped like a skull. I love making this bread with my family to honor our loved ones.

Ingredients for Pan de Muerto

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp yeast
  • 1 tsp orange zest

How to Make Pan de Muerto

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Combine flour, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl.
  2. Mix in melted butter and eggs. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
  3. Let rise until doubled in size. Shape into loaves and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoying Your 10 Best Mexican Dessert Recipes

These 10 best Mexican dessert recipes hold a special place in my heart. Each one tells a story and brings back memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and the joy of sharing food. I hope you enjoy making these treats as much as I do. They are sure to bring smiles to your table!